NALEO elects Santa Ana Councilwoman Michele Martinez as president

LAS VEGAS (KABC) -- The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials has elected Santa Ana Councilwoman Michele Martinez as its new president.

The election took place at the NALEO organizations board of directors meeting on Saturday in Las Vegas following the group's 32nd annual conference.

Texas State Rep. Justin Rodriguez was elected to serve as the vice president for the 2015-2016 term. Gila Regional Partnership Regional Chairman Fernando Shipley was elected to serve as treasurer and El Camino Community College Trustee John Vargas as secretary.

"I am humbled and honored that my colleagues have chosen me to lead this organization during such an exciting and historic time for our community," Martinez said. "I am ready to do my part to continue to help our nation's Latino elected officials develop the leadership and governance skills they need to be effective advocates for their communities."